OBSERVER Sports Report
SILVER CREEK - So much for Silver Creek's "toughest test of the season."
That's what Silver Creek (8-0, 3-0) coach Rob Genco had dubbed Thursday's matchup with CCAA Division 2 rival Portville (7-1, 2-1), but the Black Knights jumped out to a 20-6 first-quarter lead and went on to crush the Panthers, 84-57.
Both team entered the contest 7-0 overall and 2-0 in the division.
"This was the game that had all of us nervous," Genco said. "It kept us up. It was a game we knew was going to be tough because they have a pair of great players in Zack Blass and Josh Watson."
The ruthless assault was a total team effort as four Black Knights reached double-digit scoring.
Kaine Kettle led the way with 23 points to go with six steals while Zed Williams added 22 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
Williams is now 41 points away from 1,000 for his remarkable career.
"We executed everything tonight," Genco added. "We were hitting shots and we relied on everybody."
Center Bill Brooks put up his usual double-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds and eight blocks. Steve Marcey chipped in with 15 points and seven assists.
"I'm so proud of all my guys and how hard they work," Genco continued. "They're caring about each other and making the season special."
Blass poured in 20 to lead Portville and Watson added 15, but it wasn't nearly enough to stop Silver Creek from playing reserves in the fourth quarter.
"I really appreciate how hard they work and how much they care," Genco concluded. "They'll have a well-deserved Christmas break."
Cougars fall to Cardinals
RANDOLPH - The Randolph Cardinals (3-2, 2-1) handed the Casssadaga Valley Cougars (4-1, 1-1) their first loss of the season by a 53-41 margin on Thursday night in CCAA Division 2 boys basketball.
Randolph led by only four, 26-22, at halftime. But the Cardinals outscored the Cougars, 14-9, in third third quarter to take a 10-point lead and were in front by double figures the rest of the way.
"We definitely came out in the third and put a little pressure on them," Randolph coach Kevin Hind said.
Mike Maycock had all seven of his points in the third quarter for the Cards and Cody Oldro, who led Randolph with 15 points, had five in the quarter.
Oldro also finished with eight rebounds.
Nate Beaver had 12 points and nine rebounds for Randolph while Bryce Morrison had 12 points, four steals and three assists.
Tim Bender led Cassadaga Valley with 10 points.
